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Introduction

Log cabin quilts feature blocks of fabric that spiral around a central square. For instructions on making the design for the top of the quilt, see How to Make a Log Cabin Pattern. (To make a 40-inch square quilt, start with a 10 1/2-inch center square and add 5 1/2-inch-wide strips.)

The following instructions are for binding and topstitching the quilt after you've pieced together the top. Binding involves securing the layers of the quilt -- front, batting, and back -- around the edges with a strip of fabric cut on the bias. For a dash of color to match the backing and binding, the quilt is stitched in yellow along the seams, a technique called "stitching in the ditch."

Materials

Rotary cutter and mat, marthastewartcrafts.com

Seesucker fabrics, bandjfabrics.com

Cotton pima poplin (backing), bandjfabrics.com

Quilt batting

Basic sewing supplies

Steps

Step 1

Use a rotary cutter to cut strips of 2 1/4-inch wide fabric on the bias. Stitch strips together to make a piece a few inches longer than the quilt's perimeter.

Step 2

Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together; do not press. Beginning in the middle of 1 long side on the quilt front, align and pin the binding's raw edges to the quilt's raw edges. Start sewing the binding to the quilt with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Fold the fabric at the corners. When you get all the way around the quilt, fold the end of the binding under for a neat look.

Step 3

Finish the binding by folding it over the edge of the back of the quilt and hand-stitching it in place, as shown: Holding the binding against the back of the quilt, secure it by blind stitching its folded edge every 1/8 inch, picking up just a couple of threads of the quilt back beyond the seam allowance with each stitch.

Step 4

We used a method known as "stitch in the ditch." This involves stitching along the piecework seams. Make a running stitch along the seams, stitching through all the layers of fabric. Or use a sewing machine. With either technique, you can use a contrasting color or one that blends in.